Fudge straightened his back.
He could almost see the headline on the front page of the Daily Prophet.
"Minister Fudge signs historic education reform decree-Wizarding World enters a new era."
"I need a concrete implementation plan."
Fudge's voice grew decisive.
"Of course."
Douglas drew another document from his briefcase.
"Here is a preliminary framework, including assessment criteria, a scoring system, and a plan for integration with the existing curriculum."
"The Marauders Power Company can provide a complete set of training equipment and technical support."
"As for the price, I am willing to supply everything at cost as a gesture of goodwill toward a long-term partnership with the Ministry of Magic-by which, of course, I mean with you, Minister."
Fudge took the document, flipped through two pages, and nodded in satisfaction.
Just then-
The flames in the fireplace suddenly turned a dazzling green.
A shrill female voice burst from the rolling flames.
"Minister! Minister, sir! I have an urgent matter to report!"
Dolores Umbridge's face appeared in the green flames of the fireplace.
She was in a terrible state.
Her pink sweater was stained with dried ink, and her hair was a tangled mess.
She had heavy bags under her eyes, and her lips were cracked and peeling from prolonged dehydration.
Her protruding eyes were bloodshot, yet burned with an almost crazed excitement.
She had evidently just managed to break free for a moment from that pile of prank reports she could never finish reviewing.
"Minister! I must expose a horrifying atrocity taking place at Hogwarts!"
Umbridge's voice was sharp enough to cut glass.
"That Black-that madman who escaped from Azkaban-is conducting military-style training at the school!"
"He forces students to run through mud carrying weights!"
"This completely violates the noble traditions of magical education!"
"This is irrefutable proof that Scrimgeour's